TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT INVENTORY

The University District is a hub of bicycle and pedestrian activity; however, a number of right-of-way improvements are recommended in order to make traveling by a non-motorized mode safer, more pleasant, and more accessible for people with disabilities. The PSU Transportation Improvement Inventory consists of a list of improvements that would further facilitate bicycle and pedestrian connectivity within the district. This summary document is accompanied by a map showing the locations of proposed corridor and intersection improvements and a matrix presenting more detailed recommendations.

1. Broadway Cycle Track & Pedestrian Improvements

The Broadway Cycle Track was installed as a pilot project in August 2009 and currently stretches along the right-hand (west) side of Broadway from Clay Street to Jackson Street. Improvements are needed to make the facility permanent and to increase clarity for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. A variety of additional improvements to the pedestrian environment are also warranted.

Improvements:

• ENHANCED STREET TREATMENTS: Install grade separation (continuous through intersections) to distinguish cycle track area from both the street and the sidewalk, and add on-street markings and signage to reduce bicycle/pedestrian conflicts.

• SIGNALIZATION/SIGNAGE: Improve signalization of all intersections, including the addition of bike signal heads, and add signage to improve clarity about who has the right-of-way.

• CURB EXTENSIONS/SIDEWALKS: Install curb bulb-outs to all intersections along the east side of Broadway to increase safety for all modes.

Relevant Plans:

The PSU Framework Plan calls for sidewalks to be widened along both sides of Broadway, new street trees to be planted, and intersections to be improved with curb bulb-outs and visually distinctive paving treatments.

2. 4TH Avenue Bicycle & Streetscape Improvements

The 4th Avenue corridor has a high volume of vehicle traffic and presents several opportunities to improve the safety of all modes of travel. These improvements will be increasingly important as more new development occurs along the street.

Improvements:

• BICYCLE CONNECTIVITY: Install sharrows in all three traffic lanes, and improve bicycle connectivity over the I-405 overpass.

The Portland Bicycle Plan for 2030 calls for a separated in-roadway bike lane along 4th from SW Lincoln to NW Glisan, connecting to a bike boulevard from NW Glisan to NW Station Way.

3. Montgomery Green Street

Montgomery Street currently consists of low-traffic segments with vehicle access interspersed with segments that have bicycle/pedestrian or pedestrian access only. The Montgomery Green Street Plan (MGSP) outlines a vision for Montgomery to serve as a green street and as a primary east-west pedestrian connector through campus. It is recommended that something along the lines of the vision articulated in the MGSP be implemented, and that a few additional improvements be made for bicycle connectivity.

Improvements:

• REDUCE VEHICLE ACCESS AND WIDEN SIDEWALKS: Reconfigure right-of-way on vehicle-access blocks to a narrow, curbless roadway with a single, one-way traffic lane, and reduce on-street parking on some blocks to allow for a widening of the sidewalk on both sides of the street.

4. Mill Street Bicycle Connections

SW Mill Street varies in configuration from block to block, including several blocks that have pedestrian/bicycle access only and three blocks that include a streetcar alignment. Transitions between the vehicle, pedestrian, and streetcar zones create conflicts for bicycles traveling westward on Mill between SW 4th and 10th. Improvements are recommended to ensure safe bicycle travel through the corridor. These improvements will be well coupled with improvements to west-to-east bike connections on Montgomery Street.

Improvements:

• BICYCLE CONNECTIONS: Facilitate bicycle connections through the Park Blocks by installing curb cuts along Broadway and Park (west) and changes to the design of the streetcar station area to mitigate conflicts between pedestrians waiting for the streetcar and bike riders traveling through.

5. Isolated Improvements

A number of intersections and segments do not meet current standards for pedestrian safety and accessibility, or they create unique problems for cyclists.

There are a number of smaller, more isolated improvements needed throughout the district. These include pedestrian improvements at intersections and minor improvements to bicycle connections at intersections and along corridors.